I’ve been waiting all week (since we purchased it) to put up our brand new “reusable” (PC for artificial) Christmas tree.

Today, we got out of bed, cranked up some tunes, and put up the tree in our PJs. Why today? Well, the way I interpret it, today is also the first day of Advent. and with the completion of my homemade Advent calendar (aka the point I decided to stop adding stuff to it), we were all set to start some holiday traditions.

So today, we put up the calendar…

…and here are its remaining pieces…

So today, since we picked the “tree” symbol for our calendar, we put up the tree! Each symbol in the calendar will correspond to a holiday activity. Here are some of my ideas so far:

• Cookies: Bake or decorate Christmas cookies
• Angel: Remember someone who has passed away or our of our lives
• Santa hat: Read or watch the Grinch
• Candle: Walk around looking at holiday lights and decorations
• Heart: Do something nice for someone else

Do you guys make Advent Calendars? What sort of things should I do with my other symbols/ other days? Are you gearing up for the holidays too now that Thanksgiving is over?

Meri